ON MY OLD GRANDDADDY’S KNEE

“Be brave, be true, be an Irishman”.
That is what he said to me,
When I was nothing more than a little tyke,
Sitting on my old Granddaddy’s knee.

“Do not forsake your heritage,
And be proud of your name, me lad.
A respected name, that has known no shame,
And it’s as good as anyone has ever had.

Treat all women and elders with high regard.
Your deportment and language must always be
Courteous and caring and don’t forget:
People only know what they hear and see.

Let the Golden Rule be your daily guide.
Keep an open mind, always try to learn.
Give out only that which is right and good;
And that which you’d want back... in return.

And never forget the Shamrock,
It’s the symbol of your land, your kin.
And always keep the faith, my son,
For that’s sure the only way to win.”

I sadly can’t recall it all,
The wisdom that he willed to me.
But I hope I can live up to what I heard,
While sitting on my old Granddaddy’s knee.